To all the women out there – I salute you. Mum’s, chums, aunts, grans, sisters, daughters, everyone. Have a great day. And, just for being you, here are a few fictional mums that I thought I’d share:

1. The Other Mother – from Neil Gaiman’s Coraline. She is one scary mother. *shivers*. Is there anything about her at all that is redeemable – I’m struggling to find it – although I suppose she’s acting true to character, even if that is rather dark and scary and with button eyes. I couldn’t miss her off the list though. Such a great book and a fantastic animation.

2. Molly Weasley from JKRowling’s Harry Potter. You have to love her, she’s super mumsy but also ultimately kick ass when needs must. You all know what I’m talking about:’

Not my daughter you bitch’

3. Cersei Lanister – GRRMartin’s Game of thrones. Her own ambition leads to the downfall of her children. Not an ideal role model for sure but makes for great reading and watching.

‘shame!’

4. Mercy – from the Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs. She’s such a great friend and protector to Jesse (Adam’s) daughter. She knows when to say something and what to say, when therapeutic shopping is needed and when cookies are the only thing that will help.

5. Toby Daye’s mum from the October Daye series by Seanan McGuire – a mother who is largely absent. I can’t say too much about her because it will be all spoilery but she’s a woman who has lost her grip on reality and has largely taken herself out of the picture. However, she does make the odd appearance – and usually just when needed. I haven’t read all the series so I’m still finding out where her story arc takes me.

6. Phedre from Jacqueline Carey’s Kushiel series. Thank goodness for Phedre! Let’s just say that she goes to great lengths to rescue Imriel and then adopts him as her own. She is pretty amazing.

7. Mrs Bennett – from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. Okay, she is a bit of a schemer, she does interfere a tad but her heart is in the right place. And, anyway, everyone knows that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in need of a wife. Right?